JPS5844349A - Cuppy vessel and reaction tray - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a novel reaction vessel or reaction cuvette, and more particularly to a novel reaction tray with a plurality of reaction vessels used in automated analysis equipment.

One or more types of analyte
In the field of automated analysis, where aqueous samples are reacted sequentially, contamination between successive samples is a major problem.

196 whose inventors are Skeggs et al.
U.S. Patent No. 3.241.452 dated March 22, 2006;
1969 with inventor Smythe et al.
In a continuous flow analyzer, such as that described in U.S. Pat. introduced sequentially. In the Skeggs et al. patent, a series of air-wash liquid-air sections is aspirated between successive sample sections to substantially reduce contamination between these sample sections. The thus isolated sample sections are passed through the analyzer in a continuous stream and reacted and analyzed in an on-line manner. During aspiration of each cleaning liquid segment, the suction probe is immersed into a sump of cleaning liquid to remove or clean contaminants Z from both the internal and external surfaces of the suction probe. In the Smythe et al. patent, contamination between the next generation test and physician in a continuous flow is discussed.

It can be substantially reduced by introducing immiscible liquids such as silicones, fluorocarbon oils, etc. during subsequent sample separations. Is the immiscible liquid inside the analyzer for complete removal of the aqueous sample compartment? Wet it preferentially. Each sample section is completely encapsulated by a virtually immiscible liquid, thereby completely avoiding contamination between subsequent sample sections (5).

In analytical devices that do not utilize continuous flow techniques, hereinafter referred to as discontinuous devices, controlled volumes of aqueous sample and appropriate reagents are precisely metered into a reaction vessel or cuvette. The color intensity of the reaction mixture is measured to determine the concentration of the analyte. Generally, such metering is accomplished by precisely aspirating a predetermined volume of sample or reagent and dispensing it into a reaction vessel. Contaminants and other residue from previous metering operations are removed from the exterior surface of the suction probe by dipping the suction probe into a puddle of cleaning liquid. Suction probes are often backwashed with a suitable liquid to clean the internal surfaces of the suction probe.

U.S. Patent No. 4.12 dated October 24, 1978 to A. Reichler et al.
No. 1.466 describes an improved metering or dispensing device useful in both continuous flow and discontinuous devices. In this device, contamination between the subsequently aspirated liquids is completely eliminated (6). In such devices, the inner and outer surfaces of the aspiration probe, which normally contact the aqueous liquid of either the sample or the reagent, are constantly coated with a thin film of liquid. This liquid film is immiscible with such aqueous liquids and preferentially wets such surfaces. Also, the aqueous liquid fraction drawn into the suction proso for dispensing is completely encapsulated within the immiscible liquid. Thus, the inner and outer surfaces of the aspiration probe do not come into contact with aqueous liquid during the aspiration or dispensing cycle.

A metering device such as that described in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. It is clear that the extremely advantageous effect of actively removing contamination between sources is obtained. However, when used as a dispensing device in a discontinuous device, the liquid portion of the sample or reagent dispensed into the reaction vessel is encapsulated within a film of immiscible liquid. In some instances, the sample or portion thereof is encapsulated within an immiscible liquid film that is not easily broken during the dispensing cycle, for example when a surfactant is present in the liquid being metered. There is a strong tendency to remain If such an encapsulating film is not broken, the dispensed liquid fraction will not be available for reaction.

The present invention immediately overcomes these drawbacks of the prior art, yet actively ensures that no such encapsulation film is formed during the dispensing cycle.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new container structure for use in automated analysis equipment.

Another object of the invention is to provide a container bottle with an improved construction, particularly with regard to quality, ease of use, ease of mass production and cost of production.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a reaction tray with a plurality of containers formed in one piece and suitable for immediate use in an automated analyzer.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new container structure for automatic analyzers that ensures blind mixing of the dispensed liquid.

It is further object of the present invention to
Preventing the formation of or ensuring the rupture of an encapsulating film of immiscible liquids formed during the dispensing cycle of a device such as that described in No. 66, or the like. The aim is to provide a novel container structure that achieves both functions.

These objects and features of the present invention are accomplished by making at least one surface of the reaction vessel particularly suitable for ensuring the breaking of immiscible encapsulation films that may form during the dispensing cycle. It can be achieved. According to the invention, the bottom of the reaction vessel is formed of a hydrophilic material and is associated with an immiscible encapsulating film and configured to penetrate and rupture this film. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom of the container is formed with one or more protrusions against which the encapsulated liquid compartment is positively directed, forcing it through such encapsulating film. Make sure to break it.

Once penetrated, the surface forces of such an encapsulating film are insufficient to keep the aqueous liquid encapsulated, 9) releasing the aqueous liquid and making it available for reaction.

During the dispensing cycle, the outlet end of the suction probe is positioned immediately adjacent to the protrusion on the bottom of the reaction vessel. The immiscible encapsulation film, which tends to form a ball, is thus pressed against the bottom of the container and deformed against the protrusion until it ruptures. Once broken, the immiscible liquid will not interfere with the reaction since it is inert to the reactants.

Embodiments of the cup-shaped container and reaction tray according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1A, a reaction tray 1 according to the present invention includes a plurality of cup-shaped containers or cuvettes 3 arranged in a circle along the periphery of the reaction tray 1 and formed integrally with the reaction tray. 6 Reaction tray 1 is preferably molded from clear acrylic material, polystyrene material, or other suitable clear inert material. Reinforcement reso 4
This provides rigidity to the reaction tray 1. Reaction tray 1 is
It is inserted into the intermittent rotation shaft (not shown) through the center hole 5 (10
) and is keyed to the intermittent rotation shaft by a groove T for rotation about the axis of the intermittent rotation shaft as shown by the arrow. A groove 7 is formed for positioning the reaction tray 1 with respect to such an intermittent rotating shaft, and
A collar 9 is provided to facilitate removal from the reaction tray 1. Such intermittent rotation of the rotating shaft serves to position each cup-shaped container or cuvette 3 at the reagent dispensing location 11, the sample dispensing location 13 and the optical readout location 15, respectively. Since the use of reaction trays in discontinuous analyzers is conventional and convenient, such locations are not illustrated in detail. and dispensing probes 17.19x are shown to mark the dispensing locations of reagents and samples, respectively. Probes 17, 19 are introduced into and withdrawn from cup-like containers or cuvettes 3 located at reagent dispensing location 11 and sample dispensing location 13, respectively, as indicated by the arrows. Suitable for vertical movement.

It is clear that the probes 17.19 are adapted to be pivoted in a horizontal plane so that, when raised, they are positioned in aspiration locations located above the respective sources of reagent and sample, respectively. be.

When so positioned, probe 17 is selectively immersed within such a reagent source and aspirates a predetermined volume of reagent. This predetermined volume of reagent is dispensed into a cup-shaped container or cuvette 3 located at a dispensing location 11. Moreover, such a cup-shaped container 3 is the sample dispensing place 1.
3, the probe 19 is immersed into such a sample source and aspirates a predetermined volume of sample. This predetermined volume of sample is dispensed into this cup-shaped container 3. The aspiration and dispensing cycles of each probe 17.19 are described more specifically below, but generally the aspiration and dispensing cycles performed by the aspiration-dispensing device described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,121,466, supra. It takes the form of a dispensing cycle. Subsequently, the cup-shaped container 3 is advanced to the optical readout location 15. At the optical readout location 15, the analysis is performed in the usual manner).
(analyt, e) is analyzed colorimetrically.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, each cup-shaped container 3
has a roughly rectangular shape and extends downward from the plane of the reaction tray 1. Each cup-shaped container 3 has walls 21, 21' facing parallel to each other.

23, 23'. The walls 23, 23' border tapered portions 25, 25', respectively.

The wall portions 25 and 25' each have a polygonal portion 27 and 27.
' is one with '. As can be seen in FIG. 1A, each knotweed section 27, 27' is formed integrally with the reaction tray 1. As shown in FIG. However, each knotweed portion 27, 27' is a cup-shaped container 3.
If it is to be installed in an indispensable location, it will serve as a support for the cup-shaped container. A plurality of upward protrusions or lips 31 are formed on the bottom surface of each cup-shaped container 3. Specific functions of the reply 31 will be described later.

The mutually opposing walls 21, 21' of each cup-shaped container 3 are
They are placed at precisely controlled intervals. The table walls 2 3 and 2 3' are used for colorimetric analysis of reaction samples (16
) 1 site path (sight path)
Form Y. When a cup-shaped container 3 is positioned in turn at an optical readout location 15, a light beam from a light source 33 is directed along such a sight path via a lens arrangement 35. The emerging light enters a detector 37. Detector 37 produces an output indicative of the concentration of the analyte being measured, and this output is recorded by recorder 39.

In order to clarify the advantages of the present invention, FIGS. 2A and 2B will first be described. FIGS. 2A and 2B show the suction cycle of both dispensing rods 17, 19 of FIG. Containers 41 each contain dispensing probe 1 of FIG. 1A.
7.19 represents the reagent source and sample source to be immersed. Probe 43 is also representatively shown at dispensing probe 17.19'. It is clear that each operation of the dispensing probe 17.19 is the same except with regard to the particular aqueous liquid or sample or reagent to be aspirated. Zoro-de 4 for convenience
3 is immersed in a container 41, and a controlled negative pressure is applied to the outlet end by a po/zo or the like to aspirate a controlled volume of aqueous liquid 45 (14). In particular, as described in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. It flows downward, covering this outer surface and preventing it from coming into contact with the liquid to be aspirated. While the probe 43 is immersed, the flow of immiscible liquid can be interrupted to perform an aspiration or dispensing operation.

At the beginning of each aspiration cycle, probe 43 is filled with normally immiscible fluid 41. This immiscible fluid acts as a pilot fluid to dispense the liquid fraction that is aspirated. To start the aspiration cycle, press probe 4
3 is immersed in an aqueous liquid 45 placed in a container 41. At such time, the flow of immiscible fluid 47 wetting the outside is interrupted and aqueous liquid 45 is drawn into probe 43 as shown in Figure 2A. The immiscible liquid 47 is transferred to the inner and outer surfaces of the probe 43 to the exclusion of the aqueous liquid 45? Due to preferential wetting, the aspirated liquid forms a separate compartment. This separate section is encased in an immiscible liquid and thus prevented from contacting the probe surface.

During probe immersion, a small portion of excess immiscible fluid 47 is wiped off the outer surface of probe 43 due to the surface tension of aqueous liquid 45 and forms a film on the surface of aqueous liquid 45 in container 41 . When the probe 43 is pulled out
Such excess immiscible liquid then seals the inlet end of the probe 43, completely encapsulating the aspirated liquid section 45', as shown in FIG. 2B. Such encapsulation, as is well known, involves the liquid compartment 45
' and the inner surface of the probe 43, which acts to prevent contamination between the liquid sections drawn into the sink. A film of immiscible liquid 47 also covers the exterior surface of probe 43 to prevent contamination between the sources of submerged liquid in which probe 43 is selectively immersed. By providing several reagent sources into which the dispensing probe 17 of FIG. It is clear that they are busy being presented according to standards and analyzed against different analytes.

To begin a dispensing cycle, the probe 43 is moved to the reagent or sample dispensing location and positioned above the cup-shaped container 3 located at this dispensing location.

For purposes of illustration, Figures 3A, 3B, and 5C depict conventional sample dispensing locations. At this dispensing location, containers 4
9 contains a pre-dispensed liquid 51 or reagent. As shown, container 49 has a flat, generally smooth bottom 53 .

The probe 43 is also immersed in the container 49. The flow of immiscible liquid 41 over the outer surface of the probe is interrupted and a portion of it is left behind to form a film over the surface of liquid 51 as described above. At this time, K is the probe 43
The end of is sealed with immiscible fluid 4γ and liquid section 45
′ remains encapsulated. Liquid category 4
5', a portion of the immiscible fluid 47 that seals the inlet end of the probe 430 forms a thin barrier that is expanded by the exiting section (17) as shown in FIG. 5A. A film 47' is formed. As liquid section 45' continues to withdraw, barrier film 41' continues to expand and surround liquid section 45'. In this case, it becomes spherical or spherical due to surface tension. The liquid section 45' is completely extracted from the probe 43 as a spherule 55, as shown in FIG. 3B. If the liquid section 45' is of considerable size, a series of such spherules is dispensed into the container 49. In many instances, the barrier film 47' will remain intact whether dispensed into a liquid medium or into a container from which the encapsulated liquid compartment 4
5' is unavailable for reaction.

FIG. 3C shows that the end of the probe 43 is attached to the bottom 53 of the container 49.
If located adjacent to. The withdrawn liquid section 45', encapsulated within the barrier film 47' as shown, is pressed against the bottom 53. Since the bottom 53 is smooth, the encapsulated liquid sample section 45'
is distorted as shown, and the end of the probe 43 and the bottom 5
3 (1B), but the barrier film 47' remains intact and forms a spherule 55 as shown in FIG. 6B.

The novel design of the cup-shaped container 3 according to the invention prevents the barrier film from providing complete encapsulation of the dispensed liquid compartment. As shown in FIG. 4A, one or more upward protrusions 31 are formed on the bottom 29 of the cup-shaped container 3. As shown in FIG. During the dispensing cycle, Zorope 4
30 inlet end is located adjacent bottom 29 . bottom 29
That is, the spacing between the protrusion 31 and the inlet of the Zorope 430 is sufficient to avoid building up significant back pressure on the prong 43 during the dispensing cycle, without affecting metering. The spacing must be such that the spherules do not overlap, and must also be smaller than the diameter of any spherules being formed.

During the dispensing operation, the liquid segment 45' encapsulated within the barrier film 47' is compressed against the protrusion 31. When the liquid section 45' continues to drain, the barrier film 4
1' is pressed against the protrusion 31. The protrusion 31 penetrates the barrier film 47' and prevents it from slipping. Liquid category 45
As ' continues to withdraw from prog 43, barrier film 47' ruptures and liquid section 45' is released.

Alternatively, the protrusions 31 &41' eventually break through the barrier film 41'. When the bottom part 29 is formed of a hydrophilic material, the fourth B
As shown, the protrusions 31 form hydrophilic channels or bridges that accelerate the release of the liquid section 45' and mix with the reagent in the cup-shaped container 3. As in the case of dispensing a reagent at the reagent dispensing station 11, the barrier film 47' will likewise rupture even if the cup-shaped container 3 does not contain the previously dispensed liquid. The novel construction of the container thus ensures that the dispensing liquid section 45' can be utilized reliably, and in order to prevent contamination 7 between each reagent source in which the prog is selectively immersed or between each successive sample source. Full advantage is obtained that immiscible fluids can be used.

Although a protrusion 31 is shown, it is clear that many variations of the structure can be used to achieve similar effects.

To obtain the advantages of the present invention, the upper surface of the bottom 29 is made of a barrier film 47' by preventing the slippage of the spherules from exiting between the probe 430 inlet end and such surface. It must be treated or shaped to accelerate tearing. For example, the bottom surface may be sandblasted as shown in Figure 5A to ensure that the spheres that are removed from the prongs do not slip. The microscopic protrusions thus formed on this surface serve to penetrate and constrain the barrier film 47'. Also, on the bottom 29, there is a 5th B
A conical projection 57 as shown in the figure may be formed, or a rod-shaped projection 59 as shown in FIG. 5C may be formed, or the small sphere that comes out may be restrained. Any particular hydrophilic surface designed to form protrusions for penetration may be formed.

Although the present invention has been described above in detail with reference to its embodiments, it goes without saying that the present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from its spirit.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1A shows a plurality of novel reaction vessels, namely cubera [
? FIG. 21 is an isometric view (21) of a reaction tray of the present invention comprising: FIG. 1B is an isometric view of one reaction vessel. Figures 2A and 2B and Figures 3A, 6B and 6C illustrate the aspiration cycle and FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing each dispensing cycle. Fourth
Figures A and 4B are longitudinal sectional views of one embodiment of the reaction vessel of the present invention. FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are partially cutaway needle perspective views of different modifications of the reaction vessel of the present invention. 1... Reaction tray, 3... Cup-shaped container, 11...
・Reagent dispensing location, 13...Sample dispensing location, 17.19
...prong, 29...bottom, 31...protrusion, (
22) Continued from page 1 0 Inventor: Kenneth F. Eufuenheimer, Mahopatsk Woodland Road AFD, New York, United States of America 10541 - No. 2 Procedural Amendment October 20, 1980 Director General of the Patent Office, 1. Display of case 1982 Patent Application No. 12523
No. 2, No. 3, Person making the amendment Relationship to the case Patent applicant Technicon, Instruments, Corporation 4
Agent Tameike Tokyu Building 5, 1-1-14 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo Date of amendment order Voluntary 6. Number of inventions increased by amendment Contents of amendment (Patent Application 1982-125232) (1)
A cup-shaped container made of a hydrophilic material and having at least one surface therein with a plurality of inwardly extending protrusions forming a site path for analysis of the contents. (2) The cup-shaped container according to claim (1), wherein a plurality of ridge-like projections are formed on the surface. (3) The cup-shaped container according to claim (1), wherein a plurality of conical projections are formed on the surface. (4) A cup-shaped container according to Claim E (11), in which the surface has been subjected to a multi-treatment process such as sand blasting. A cup-shaped container according to Claim E (1). Claims comprising means projecting laterally of said cup-shaped container to support said cup-shaped container when mounted on said horizontal support, and adapted to be added to said horizontal support. Range O (1)
Cup-shaped container as described in Section 1. (7) The invention comprises two wall portions that are not parallel to each other but face each other so as to orient the cup-shaped container when the cup-shaped container is attached to the horizontal support. 6) The cup-shaped container described in item 6). (8) The cup-shaped container according to claim (1), which is formed of an acrylic material or a polystyrene material. (9) The cup-shaped container according to claim (1), wherein the one surface forms at least a part of the bottom of the reaction container. A cup-shaped container according to claim 1, which is suitable for receiving a glove for dispensing a liquid therein. I. The cup-shaped container according to claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the opposing wall portions forming the site path are provided with a hydrophilic inner surface. Zeng Claim O (1) in which the protrusion is a sharp protrusion
) The cup-shaped container described in item 2. (13) The cup-shaped container according to claim 1, wherein the sharp protrusion is a protrusion with a blade. (14) A cup-shaped container according to claim 1, wherein the sharp protrusion is a pointed protrusion. wherein the reaction vessels are arranged circularly about the axis such that rotation of the reaction tray advances each of the reaction vessels in turn to a liquid dispensing location; A reaction tray having at least one surface comprising a plurality of inwardly extending protrusions made of a hydrophilic material, such that each reaction vessel forms a site path for analysis of the contents. The reaction tray according to claim 1, wherein the reaction tray is formed with a center hole for attaching the reaction tray to the rotating shaft. (17) The center hole is formed to facilitate attachment of the reaction tray to the rotating shaft. (2) A reaction tray according to claim 1, wherein each of the reaction vessels is arranged along a radius of the reaction tray. (I9 Claim 5) A reaction tray according to claim 15, in which a plurality of ridge-shaped projections are formed on the one surface. (a) The reaction tray as described in claim (2). (2) The reaction tray as described in claim (a) and (2), which is formed of an acrylic material or a polystyrene material. forming a through site path in the vessel located along a radius of the reaction tray;
A reaction tray as claimed in claim 1, comprising two parallel transparent sides spaced apart by a predetermined distance. (c) The reaction tray according to claim 5, wherein each of the reaction containers is integrally formed within the reaction tray. 2. Correct "liquid to be dispensed" in line 18 on page 8 to "liquid to be dispensed in a container". 3. Correct "From reaction tray l" in line 5 of page 11 to "reaction tray l." 4. On page 12, lines 13 and 14, "It is placed in this cup-shaped container." is corrected to "It is dispensed into this cup-shaped container 3 and reacted." 5. On page 3, line 16, "upward protrusion" is corrected to "upward extending protrusion." 6. Correct page 17, line 6, "Cup-shaped container 3" to "Cup-shaped container 49."-2;

Claims (9)

[Claims] (1) made of a hydrophilic material and having at least one interior surface treated or formed to form a plurality of inwardly extending protrusions and receiving a probe for dispensing a liquid therein; is a cup-shaped container suitable for holding. (2) The cup-shaped container according to claim (1), wherein a plurality of ridge-like projections are formed on the surface. (3) The cup-shaped container according to claim (1), wherein a plurality of conical projections are formed on the surface. (4) The cup-shaped container according to claim (1), wherein the surface is treated by sand blasting or the like. (5) The cup-shaped container according to claim 1, wherein at least two transparent surfaces parallel to each other are provided inside the cup-shaped container so as to form a site path passing through the cup-shaped container. . (6) When the cup-shaped container is attached to a horizontal support, the cup-shaped container? A cup-shaped container according to claim 1, comprising means projecting laterally of the cup-shaped container in a supporting manner and adapted to be attached to said horizontal support. (7) Claim 1, further comprising two sides that are not parallel to each other but opposite each other so as to orient the cup-shaped container when the cup-shaped container is attached to the horizontal support. 6) The cup-shaped container described in item 6). (8) The cup-shaped container according to claim (1), which is made of an acrylic material or a polystyrene material. (9) In a reaction tray that includes a plurality of reaction vessels and is suitable for being rotated around an axis, the reaction vessels are arranged in a circle around the axis, and each of the reactions can be performed by rotating the reaction tray. the vessels being advanced in sequence to a liquid dispensing location, each reaction vessel having at least one surface treated or formed with a plurality of inwardly extending protrusions made of a hydrophilic material; a reaction tray, wherein each reaction vessel is adapted to receive a dispensing probe for dispensing liquid to impinge on the one surface. (a) The reaction tray according to claim (9), wherein the reaction tray is formed with a large central portion for attachment to the rotation shaft of the reaction tray. 01) The reaction tray according to claim 00, wherein a structure surrounding the center hole is provided to facilitate attachment of the reaction tray to the rotating shaft. α2 The reaction tray according to claim 9, wherein each of the reaction containers is arranged along a radius of the reaction tray. 0 rows Multiple ridge-like protrusions on the one surface? A reaction tray according to claim (9) formed therein. Q4) The reaction tray according to claim (9), wherein a plurality of conical projections are formed on the surface. 09. The reaction tray according to claim (9), wherein the surface is treated by sand blasting or the like. (161) A reaction tray according to claim (9) formed of an acrylic material or a polystyrene material. The reaction tray according to claim 2, wherein the reaction tray is provided with two mutually parallel transparent sides spaced apart by a predetermined distance. A reaction tray according to claim (8).